Top 10 theme parks

Theme parks are fun for all the family; from the magic of Disney to some of the UK’s top parks you can buy your tickets early from Expedia.co.uk and avoid the queues!

1. Walt Disney World in Florida

It’s a world as big as imagination itself with four world famous Disney Theme Parks, fun filled Water Parks, two of the best entertainment, shopping and dining districts in Orlando plus a huge range of activities from golf to relaxing spas. Add in the imaginative range of great value Disney Resort Hotels and you really will enjoy a holiday that’s unique. The choices are amazing; the fun enormous and the memories will last a lifetime. Plus you can now access all that Walt Disney World has to offer exactly how and when you please, with the fantastic Disney Ultimate Tickets.

Reasons to go: With 47 square miles of fun there's no other place on the planet that provides such a magical escape from everyday life. You can meet favourite Disney Characters, enjoying high speed thrills; relaxing sunbathing or indulge in retail therapy. There's something for everyone; from toddlers and teenagers to grown ups and grandparents.

2. Disneyland® Resort Paris

Imagine a land where the wonderful world of Disney comes alive. Imagine a Disneyland® Park, where make believe is real. Imagine a Disney® Village, where fun and entertainment stay open day and night. Seven Disney® Hotels, where sweet dreams come true in the very heart of the magic. Imagine you are here... In a Resort as big as imagination itself. Disneyland® Resort Paris. A holiday destination like no other.

Reasons to go: There's fun for the whole family to enjoy! World-class Disney® shows, parades, attractions & rides, delicious dining experiences and legendary Disney service. More magic than you can poke a magic wand at!

3. Disneyland® Resort California

Enjoy two Disney theme parks — Disneyland® Park and Disney’s California Adventure® Park — plus three resort hotels and an energetic entertainment, dining, and shopping district. You’ll find it all at the Disneyland® Resort, the premier holiday destination on the West Coast. Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, California, invites you to The Year of a Million Dreams — a first-of-its-kind celebration of your Disney dreams and the way Disney Cast Members can make them come true. During this incredible celebration, Cast Members will connect with you in unprecedented new ways. Plus, you’ll enjoy amazing new attractions and themed-entertainment experiences, as well as exciting, limited-time special events. If you’ve been dreaming of the perfect Disney vacation, there’s never been a better time than now. Just remember to pack your imagination!

4. Thorpe Park

Savour the white-hot thrills of Nemesis Inferno-one of the world's most intense, disorientating, exhilarating rollercoasters, complete with volcanic theming and effects! The gut-wrenching, leg-dangling experience gives a new meaning to "hot footing it!" While Thorpe Park is known for those seeking extreme thrills there is plenty of fun to be had for the younger crew too, families of all ages can explore and experience Thorpe Park.

Reasons to go: Since 1999, a ride has been built every year and the park now contains the world's only 10 looping coaster, plus currently Europe's fastest rollercoaster - an Intamin accelerator, reaching 200 feet.

5. Chessington

Tales of family fun never end at Chessington World of Adventures. Explore Beanoland and Toytown and experience ten brand-new attractions, Bubbleworks ride, a foam-fizzing indoor family water ride and the new interactive animal adventures including the Squirrel Monkey Walk-through plus the scorching new roller-coaster, Dragon's Fury! Chessington is the theme park for families looking to share an adventure.

Reasons to go: Vampire is a must, not too fast or scary. Chessington has something for all the family. The staff are friendly and the park is well maintained and very clean.

6. Universal Studios - Los Angeles

Immerse yourself in the action of blockbuster films, with pulse-pounding, full-sensory rides, shows, and attractions that bring your favourite movies to life. Face the rage of the world's first blockbuster roller coaster, as you hurtle through the darkness, forwards and backwards. Top off your day of big Hollywood thrills with over 67 cool things to do at Universal CityWalk®. Universal Studios HollywoodTM, the world's only movie thrill park.

Reasons to go: Great for film buffs, rumour has it the Special Effect Stages will add King Kong this year where Peter Jackson talks about how he created the mysterious Skull Island and the special effects.

7. PortAventura Park

Put your courage to the test on the thrilling rides at PortAventura Park. Experience the Dragon Khan roller coaster with 8 inverted loops, try out the two track roller coaster Stampida entirely made of wood and get soaked on Tutuki Splash! Only the very brave hearted will want to ride again! You’ll also find plenty shows to take in at the park. Marvel at the exotic dances of Aloha Tahiti and the Birds of Paradise in Polynesia. Relax to the strains of mariachi orchestras in La Cantina Mexicana. Discover the mysteries of China in Sol de Oriente.

Reasons to go: Every night at midnight Portaventura host a fireworks extravaganza whihc is known as being on of the best in the world). The shows are second to none, in particular the Polynesian show which comes alive at night!

Best for: All age groups - evenings are recommended during the hotter season.

8. Universal Studios Florida

At Universal Studios Florida you can be the star for a day. This real working film and TV studio is unlike any place on earth with full scale movie production sets you can actually walk through and experience! It is a unique experience with featuring attractions reflecting current and classic films of our time. There are spectacular cutting edge rides and thrilling shows to choose from.

Reasons to go: The Back to the Future ride is a classic not to be missed. Be stimulated beyond your wildest imagination. There are plenty of characters from all your favourite movies wandering the park all day long.

9. Seaworld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando has something for all ages. For the sea loving kids there is Dolphin Cove – a naturalistic coral reef and home to a community of bottlenose dolphins. You can also check out beluga whales, polar bears and even a walrus or two. Seaworld also houses Orlando’s only floorless roller coaster – that is if you are brave enough!

Reasons to go: As the worlds premier marine adventure park the animal community at SeaWorld sets it apart from other parks making it a unique experience.

10. Legoland

Set on 150 acres of landscaped park, Legoland knows no limits on adventure and excitement! It is the ultimate clubhouse for all LEGO fans - whatever their age! Whirl around the new Jungle Coaster at top speeds of 60 kilometres per hour; admire famous figure heads built from LEGO, and test drive life-sized LEGO vehicles. Pay a visit to Winston Churchill and other dignitary LEGO busts or let the kids build LEGO structures or vehicles of their own.

Reasons to go: The puppet show & the stunt show are fantastic. There are workshops and landmarks from around the world built in lego - so it's educational too! The park is relatively small so it is not too overwhelming for the younger children.

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